Those of you who’ve been following Operation: Puppet for a while have probably been unable to escape me talking about how much I love New Orleans. Despite being a pasty Canadian dude, the music, culture and people of NOLA call to me in a deep way. When it came time to assemble my cast of characters for The Oracle, I had to find a way to work New Orleans into it; and thus was our “music specialist” Jellyroll born.
Today is Mardi Gras 2023. I’ve never actually been to Mardi Gras, as when we go to New Orleans we tend to shy away from the intensely commercial areas. You won’t find me on Bourbon St unless I’m going to Preservation Hall, I’m much more likely to be found in Frenchman St listening to some live Jazz in one of the many clubs.
Last time I was there was November 2019. We just missed the first big COVID wave. I’ve felt pretty disconnected from it since then, which is a bit weird as I’ve spent most of my life right here in Canada and have no ties to NOLA other than a love of the culture it has given the world.
So on this Mardi Gras, like every other, I will crank up WWOZ and dance as I build puppets and think about the day I can go back to the City That Care Forgot.
Laissez les bons temps rouler y’all.